BLOOD

A PLAY IN ONE ACT/ FILM LOCATIONS

3 m, 2 f

INTERIOR SCENES: 5, 10, 14

MR. AND MRS AMIN'S FRONT ROOM DINNER TABLE, SET WITH

CHAPATIS, DAL, CURRY, SALAD, AND MITHAI. THEY ARE BOTH

IN THEIR FIFTIES, A HOUSEWIFE AND DECORATOR, AND ARE

DRESSED APPROPRIATELY.

INTERIOR SCENES: 3, 8, 13

ASIF'S ROOM.

A SINGLE BED, A CHAIR, A DESK. A TIN OF BISCUITS, A KETTLE,

A BATTERED RECORD PLAYER, BOOKS, AND OTHER

MISCELLANY ARE STASHED UNDER THE BED AND FLOOR.

 BIOLOGICAL BOOKS LAY ON THE DESK. ESSAY NOTES

AND PAPERS SURROUND THE TOMES.

INTERIOR SCENES: 7, 11

MARCS ROOM, A BOOKISH POST GRADUATE STUDENT,

INTELLECTUAL. THE IMPRESSION IS OF ORDERLINESS. A

TYPEWRITER IS SET IN THE CENTRE OF TABLE. NEAT PILES

OF PAPERS. BOOKS CONCERNING THEOLOGY AND ECONOMICS

ARE NEATLY DIVIDED AT EACH END OF THE TABLE. UNDER

THE TABLE A COLLECTION OF WINE BOTTLES. TWO GLASSES

STAND BETWEEN THE TWO PILES OF BOOKS. A POSTER OF

KARL MARX IS FRAMED ON THE WALL. ANOTHER POSTER, AN

ILLUSTRATION FROM THE BAGAVAD GITA IS PINNED NEXT TO

IT.

1. INT. UNIVERSITY LECTURE HALL

LECTURE

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. May I take this rather belated

opportunity to welcome you to this university

A CHUCKLE

a week or so after you've all arrived and hopefully settled into the routine of

living on campus. I will commence my lecture this week with a preamble

about your course with me this year, your work will of course include
 investigations of arteries, capillaries, and other subjects in a similar vein. Pun

intended, sorry.

MILD LAUGHTER

But the area in which I hope to spend most of our time together, will be with

the essential fluid that flows through them: blood. We will examine closely

the differences between types of plasma, cells, platelets, et cetera. We will

endeavour to explore any progress in the role of blood since its discovery by

Harvey in 1628. By the word role I am to mean the effect it has on the body's

mechanisms, contrasted with the beliefs people have carried with themselves

through the ages ...

2. INT. UNIVERSITY HALLWAY.

ASIF INTRODUCES HIMSELF TO KALPANA.

ASIF:

Are you new here like me?

KALPANA:

Yes.

ASIF:

Can I introduce myself? My name is Asif Amin.

KALPANA SMILES, THEY SHAKE HANDS

KALPANA:

Mine's Kalpana Joshi.

ASIF:
 Did you enjoy the lecture?

KALPANA:

Yes. He was very good. And funny as well.

ASIF:

You are studying biology?

KALPANA:

Yes. I'm glad I came here. I wasn't sure if I would. You are

studying biology too?

ASIF:

Well, perhaps for a term or two. I have an option - I could transfer to

medicine.

KALPANA:

INTERESTED

Oh, really?

ASIF:

Yes,

LAUGHING

my parents always had dreams of their son becoming a doctor!

KALPANA:

And will you?

ASIF:
SHRUGGING

I don't know. I'm not sure if I'm capable.

 KALPANA:

It's a responsible career.

ASIF NODS.

PAUSE

ASIF:

Are you living on campus?

KALPANA:

Yes.

PAUSE

ASIF:

Would you like to come for a cup of tea?

KALPANA:

SMILING AT ASIF'S NERVOUSNESS

Um, OK, thank you. But are we allowed to?

3. INT. ASIF'S ROOM

ASIF:

Have a seat.

ASIF PULLS OUT CHAIR FROM UNDER TABLE.

RUMMAGING UNDER THE BED ASIF BRINGS OUT

KETTLE, TWO CUPS, AND A BOTTLE OF MILK. HE

SMELLS THE MILK

 I think it'll do.

ASIF PLUGS IN KETTLE, IN A RATHER INACCESSIBLE

SOCKET UNDER THE BED

What do you think of the place?

KALPANA:

LOOKING AROUND

The university? It's okay. I didn't realise they were so big. Have you

met many people here yet?

ASIF:

A few. I've made friends with a rather eccentric postgraduate. But as

you say, the place is very big. It's like living in a small city, in a way.

KALPANA:

You live in England?

ASIF:

PUZZLED

Yes, of course.

REALISING

You don't!? Where have you come from?

KALPANA:

Delhi. My parents saved for a long time to send me here.

ASIF:

Yes? The government has recently put up charges for foreign students

hasn't it? They're being very short sighted. As usual.

KALPANA:

I hope to stay here afterwards, and get some kind of work permit,

but there's talk of even tighter restrictions.

ASIF, HAVING POURED HOT WATER ONTO COFFEE

POWDER, THEN ADDED THE MILK, NOW HANDS

KALPANA A MUG

ASIF:

Sugar?

KALPANA:

Um .. no thanks.

ASIF:

Just as well - I haven't any. Do you like biscuits? I have a tin

somewhere.

HE SCURRIES UNDER THE BED

KALPANA:

This must be your first year?

ASIF:
UNDER THE BED

Yes.

KALPANA:

LOOKING AROUND

You seemed to have settled in.

ASIF:
 RETRIEVING HIMSELF AND LOOKING AROUND AT

THE MESS

Yes, well, I moved in a week be fore the term started. Do you think I

should clean it up?

KALPANA:

Oh no! - It's not for me to say.

ASIF OPENS THE TIN. KALPANA TAKES A COUPLE OF

CHOCOLATE BISCUITS.

ASIF:

PLACING THE TIN ON THE BED

I'll leave them here.

HE SITS ON BED

KALPANA:

Your parents live in this country?

ASIF:

Yes. They've lived here since ... the nineteen fifties. I think I was one

or two.

KALPANA:

You stay with them after the end of term?

ASIF:

Yes. I wish I could stay here though. Parents are so oppressive. Well

mine are, anyway. I must sound quite callous though. Sorry.

KALPANA:
 You don't get on with them?

ASIF:

Oh I do, but you can never do what you want, can you?And he's a

decorator!

KALPANA:

That's wrong with that?

ASIF:

Absolutely nothing. But it seems such a waste, to me. He has a degree

after all. Still, why am I telling you all this, anyway!? Tell me about

your parents.

KALPANA:

My father's a headmaster.

ASIF:

Yes? That's a responsible role.

KALPANA:

It's only a small school.

ASIF:

And your mother?

KALPANA:

She teaches in the same school!

ASIF:
LAUGHING

They must get on well!

KALPANA:

Not bad, not bad.

PAUSE

THEY SIP THEIR COFFEE

ASIF:

So you think you will enjoy your course here?

KALPANA:

I hope so.

ASIF:

TAPPING HER MUG WITH HIS

Here's to you.

KALPANA:

SMILING

And you. But .. by the way - Is this tea?

ASIF:

Er, urm .. no.

THEY SMILE AT EACH OTHER

Um, Miss Joshi, will you accompany me to a dance tonight?

KALPANA:

A disco?

ASIF NODS

Well yes, why not?

 ASIF:

You and I are really going to boogie together, baby.

KALPANA:

LAUGHING

I can see you've become westernised!

ASIF:

SMILING

Become ...?

4. INT. UNIVERSITY HALL

LECTURE CONTINUES:

It is, after all, common knowledge that the sex of a person can be

detected by analysis - but how far can we take this distinction? I would

like to think we have come a long way from the primitive ideas of, say,

different races containing different coloured liquids which in turn affect

their skin colour. Even I can recall, and I assure you young students,

that although my decaying facial features may convince you I am an

extreme octogenarian, and thus a relic from the Victorian age - I can

assure you that until quite recently arguments were put forward to

suggest that coloured peoples has less brain power due to lack of oxygen

in the red blood cells!

A MILD CHUCKLE

I certainly hope to dispel any prejudices you might hold there ..

5. INT. MR. AND MRS AMIN'S DINING ROOM.

ASIF SITS AND JOINS THE EATING FAMILY. CHRISTMAS

DECORATIONS SURROUND THE TABLE. MR. AND MRS.

AMIN BEHAVE AS IF ASIF HAS BEEN THERE FOR A FEW

HOURS.

MR. AMIN

Asif, pass me another chapati...

ASIF DOES SO

Well Asif, how was your first term at university?

ASIF:

Very enjoyable. My tutor is very .. clear. I'm glad I went there.

MR. AMIN:

Good, good. Have you given any more thought to where you are going

to transfer to?

PAUSE

ASIF:

I probably won't transfer.

MR. AMIN:

But why not!?

ASIF:

I don't think that I'm really capable of becoming a doctor.

MRS. AMIN:

But Asif! Of course you are!

ASIF:

LAUGHING

Why do mothers always think their children are capable of anything!

I can struggle through the work, but sometimes ... I think I'm just not

capable.

MR. AMIN:

But what can you do with just a biology degree?

ASIF:

Oh lots of things. I might specialise in blood.

MR. AMIN:

Specialise in blood!

ASIF:

ENTHUSIASTICALLY

Oh yes. We're just beginning to go into details, at university, for

instance what percentage difference from the half million platelets per

cubic millimetre norm can be allowed before you run into problems.

PUZZLED EXPRESSIONS FROM PARENTS

PAUSE

MRS. AMIN:

You make it sound quite gruesome!?

ASIF:

No, it really is quite interesting.

MRS. AMIN:

Is it a big class?

ASIF:

No, quite small, there's only a few of us. And I've met a girl who's

quite nice.

MRS. AMIN:

You have a girlfriend?! Already!

MR. AMIN:

Why didn't you tell us earlier?

ASIF:

We've hardly known each other for long.

MRS. AMIN:

What's her name?

ASIF.

Kalpana.

MRS. AMIN:

I'm glad for you, Asif.

ASIF:

Don't be too premature, mother.

MR. AMIN:
 Where does she come from, Asif?

ASIF:

Delhi.

MR. AMIN:

What do her parents do?

ASIF:

They both teach. Her father is a headmaster.

MRS. AMIN:

That's good.

MR. AMIN:

What is she, Asif?

ASIF:

SMILING, BUT KNOWING

What do you mean, what is she?

MR. AMIN:

What is her religion?

ASIF:

Hindu.

MR. AMIN SITS BACK AND LOOKS DOWN IN SILENCE

AT HIS DINNER. MOTHER LOOKS ACROSS TO ASIF.

PAUSE

But of course it doesn't matter, does it.

MR AMIN:
 Well you know it does.

ASIF:

Yes, I know we've talked about it before. But I feel ... we're in England

now.

MR. AMIN:

Don't tell us about living in England.

ASIF:

I wasn't being patronising father.

MR AMIN:

Our tradition is important.

ASIF:

Well of course it is. But there are many traditions.

MR. AMIN:

But ours is the most important.

MRS. AMIN:

To us, Asif. I know that you were born here, but-

MR. AMIN:

To be a Muslim ... well, it's to be chosen, Asif.

ASIF:

But they all say that! And besides, I am a Muslim. Don't I worship like

you? like you've told me how to?

MR AMIN:

You did when you were here.

MRS AMIN:

Do you at university, Asif?

ASIF:

Yes, sometimes, when I'm in the mood.

MRS. AMIN:

In the mood!? What do they teach you at school?

ASIF:

University. But father, this is all wild speculation, I hardly know the girl.

MR AMIN:

Well you can't bring her here. And I'm shocked that you've become so ..

careless about praying. To be a Muslim? - it's our way of life.

MRS AMIN:

Take care, Asif.

ASIF:

STANDING

Well of course I will. But if I fall in love with her, and only if, then

you can't expect her religion to stand in our way. It's not like that

anymore, in this country.

MR AMIN:

Don't bring her here.

 ASIF:

BEGINNING TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE TABLE

But why not?

But why not? I can't understand your reasoning anymore.

6. INT. UNIVERSITY HALL

LECTURE CONTINUES.

and I will certainly endeavour to have the lot of you positively vetted for

political correctness before I will let you into my lecture room. Rhesus D

positively vetted!

MILD LAUGHTER

Because, although one may argue that Negroids are more prone to, say,

sickle cell disease, or Hb C - carrier states, a disease which I believe has

the propensity to affect ten per cent of Negros, this does not, of course,

suggest that they are in any way inferior or superior.

7. INT. MARC'S ROOM

MARC SITTING STUDYING IN CHAIR. SEEING ASIF HE

OFFERS HIM A CHAIR.

ASIF:

Did you have an enjoyable holiday?

MARC:
 Yes. Did you?

ASIF:

Some of the time. It got a little tense at times. I mentioned Kalpana.

MARC:

Your lady?

ASIF:

NODDING

You've met her?

MARC:

I remember her West Indian smile.

ASIF:

Yes? I suppose that was one of the reasons I fell in love with her.

MARC:

How unreasonable.

ASIF:

What? Oh yes - you think I should love her for other qualities? Well

of course I do.

PAUSE

Actually I came to see you for your advice.

MARC:

I'll do my best to become Agony Aunt Marge Proops.

ASIF:

PUZZLED
 Well, as I know you - your advice I'd respect.

MARC:

WITH A GHOST OF A SMILE

Thank you.

ASIF:

PAUSE

Well, how can I begin? I mean, what would you do in my situation?

MARC:

Tell me your situation.

ASIF:

Well, it's about Kalpana, who is a Hindu, and myself, being a Muslim.

MARC:

A religious problem? Because of the difference?

ASIF:

But it doesn't bother me, it's my parents. They're very strict. Very. It's

hard to get over their sense of disaproval about Kalpana, to you that is.

MARC:

How do her parents feel about it?

ASIF:

It's funny really. They're the ones living in India, but it seems they don't

object. Kalpana's told them all about me in her letters. Naturally they've

talked about me being a Muslim. They've asked whether it might bother

 me.

MARC:

Perhaps because of the distance they can't influence her, anyway.

ASIF:

Well, I don't know about that. It's just that here, I'm meeting such a

variety of people, such a range, I don't know ... But my parents,

living in Letchworth of all places, feel they can dictate my life.

MARC:

The world is full of contradictions.

ASIF:

Ha, yes! And I can give you another one, her parents are teachers,

while my father is a decorator!

MARC:

What difference would that make? Would it make them more

reasonable?

ASIF:

Her parents? I hope so.

MARC:

Do you think that because they do not object to the two of you being

together that that make them more reasonable?

ASIF:

Now you're tying me up in knots!

MARC:

Sorry. So, anyway, what's your problem? If the situation ever arise

that you want to live with her, or even get married, what's the problem?

You are in control of your own life.

ASIF:

Oh I wish I were. But we couldn't just live together. That would be

going ...

MARC:

Too far. I see.

ASIF:

Do you? As I've said, the family ties are very strong. I don't really

know what would happen if I definitely told them Kalpana was the one.

PAUSE

MARC:

Obviously you love your parents.

ASIF:

Yes.

MARC:

And perhaps you love Kalpana?

ASIF:

NODDING

We've been going out together since the beginning of the year.
 What's that? Four months? She's good company.

MARC:

When will you decide?

ASIF:

To get married? Who knows? Besides, I haven't really talked to her

about it.

MARC:

Why not?

ASIF:

LAUGHING

You're beginning to sound like a psychoanalyst! But I don't know.

Perhaps the time isn't right yet.

MARC:

SMILING

Then why are you talking about it.?

ASIF:

WAGGING HIS FINGER

Astute, aren't you.

MARC:

Where would you live if you ever did get mar ried to her?

ASIF:

I don't know. My parents house would be out - they wouldn't even let
 Kalpana into the house! And I don't fancy moving to India. We could

just rent a room for a while, I suppose. Yes, my father certainly made

his feelings clear there.

MARC:

You don't get a full grant, do you?

ASIF:

No. My father earns enough to put him into a higher tax bracket. Why

do you ask?

MARC:

Is there a chance of financial pressure being brought to bear?

ASIF:

WITH A START

Well, I don't know. I hadn't really thought about.

MARC:

Could you survive without the money?

ASIF:

By myself? No. I wonder if he would stop it. Would he?

MARC:

It would be wise to get an answer from him, however obliquely you

ask the question.

ASIF:

Yes, of course. Well, have you any other advice?

MARC:
 I do, but it only applies to westerners I feel. As you've said - I can't

really get inside your problem.

ASIF:

Tell me anyway.

MARC:

My reasoning? Well although you've spent the majority of your life with

your parents, your future doesn't lie there. If I may be blunt or crude, it is

inevitable that offspring find their own feet and leave their original fold.

Isn't that nature's law? You, having perhaps found your mate and sexual

satisfaction? - must follow your natural inclinations. Ultimately they

cannot stop you. Except by financial blackmail. From what you've told

me that could be important.

ASIF:

Yes, that's important.

MARC:

But remember, I think what I've said only applies to westerners. In this

country it's normal to set up on your own, but I understand Indians have

different traditions, like sharing a house with your parents - I think that

is quite unusual over here.

ASIF:

Yes. It's normal to us. But one thing you've said, about sexual

satisfaction, well .. I don't think Indian girls are so promiscuous as the

 English women - especially as in Kalpana's case, they've just arrived

from India.

MARC:

I hope you didn't think I was too rude, or infer anything about the

character of Kalpana.

ASIF:

No, of course you weren't.

STANDING AND SMILING

Still, I'm glad I've talked to you. You haven't met Kalpana socially

have you?

MARC:

No. I'd like to talk to her some time. From what you've told me she's

some lady.

ASIF:

Oh she is, she is. I'll ask her to come and visit you one day.

MARC:

Yes, do that.

MARC STANDS AND THE TWO MEN SHAKE HANDS.

7. INT. UNIVERSITY HALL

LECTURE CONTINUES

A red enzyme deficiency, G.6.P.D., which to the less initiated of you mean

glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenose, and which affects the Meditteranean area

 - all these spurious arguments have been put forward to argue cases for

segregation. They are spurious because they ignore the fact that we, if ' we'

exist, have other diseases which are just as isolated within ourselves, and just

as fatal to transfer to someone else.

8. INT. ASIF'S COLLEGE ROOM

KALPANA LYING ON ASIF'S BED, READING. ASIF

LEANS DOWN AND KISSES KALPANA ON HER CHEEK.

HE MAKES A SPACE FOR HIMSELF ON THE BED

ASIF:

What do you think of Marc?

KALPANA:

I don't know him that well.

ASIF:

No, I suppose not. He takes some knowing. He always seems distant

and detached, as if nothing really affects him, which it doesn't, I suppose.

PAUSE

But I went to talk to him.

KALPANA:

Yes?

ASIF:

He thinks we should .. get it together baby.

KALPANA:

Hm.

ASIF:

He thinks it's up to us to decide our future, not our parents.

KALPANA:

LOOKING UP FROM HER BOOK AND SMILING

I could have told you that!

ASIF:

Yes, but you're biased!

KALPANA:

True, true ...

ASIF MAKES ADVANCES, KISSING HER THEN

CARESSING HER BREAST. HIS HAND MOVES DOWN

TO HER THIGH. KALPANA STOPS HIM

ASIF:

What's the matter?

KALPANA:

Please don't.

ASIF SIGHS

ASIF:

Ah well. A cup of tea then?

KALPANA:
 SMILING

All right then.

KALPANA WATCHES ASIF GO THROUGH THE RITUAL

AGAIN OF SEARCHING FOR A KETTLE, TWO MUGS,

AND THE MILK.

KALPANA:

Did you ever make up your mind whether you were going to transfer

to medicine?

ASIF:

I did, and I'm not. I don't think I could cope with the course.

KALPANA:

No?

ASIF:

No. And besides, how can I, if it would mean leaving you?

KALPANA:

I have been thinking about that. I don't want to be responsible for any

change in your planned career, especially as it might not work out

between us. It could be something you regret.

ASIF:

No, I'd already made the decision before I met you. I really don't think I

could manage it. And anyway, what's all this about - 'it might not work

out between us?'

KALPANA:

Well, you know about your parents.

ASIF:

NODDING

Yes, yes...

KALPANA:

And do you really think you're not capable of becoming a doctor? I

think you are.

ASIF:

Yes, but you're still biased!

KALPANA:

Yes, but are you sure?

ASIF:

NODDING

Yes, I think so. I took the wrong 'A' levels. It's strange but at the

time I thought biology would be a useful .. prerequisite? for training as

a doctor. My parents didn't guide me there.

KALPANA:

Well, they weren't to know what would be necessary, would they?

ASIF:

I don't know .. It's just that sometimes I feel that I've been left to work

things out for myself.

 KALPANA:

Well don't bemoan your lot!

ASIF:

LAUGHING

I'm not! And, if you look at it like I do, it has fortunate consequences,

we won't be forced apart.

KALPANA:

I think you and I ..

BUT ASIF STOPS HER FROM SPEAKING BY KISSING

HER

ASIF:

You know our trouble darling? - we talk too much.

KALPANA SMILES. ASIF RELUCTANTLY GETS UP TO

SWITCH THE KETTLE OFF

But it's still a problem with my parents. Although my mother ... my

mother doesn't object ... not that much...

ASIF MOVES FROM KALPANA TO FAMILY TABLE.

9. INT. UNIVERSITY HALL

LECTURE TAPE IS HEARD.

Similarly, I have heard arguments put forward by extreme groups to

support their idea of segregation that Thalassalmia, which as you

doubtless know, or you should by now know, is the reduced capacity to

 synthesize haemoglobin, and which affects Greeks, Italians, even Asians,

- even this affliction has been used as an argument to keep races

'pure'. Shall I give one more example?

10. INT. MR.AND MRS AMIN'S DINNER TABLE.

FAMILY EATING. THE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

HAVE GONE, TO BE REPLACED BY AN EASTER EGG

ON ASIF'S PLATE. ASIF TAKES HIS SEAT

MR AMIN:

Well Asif, how is it going?

ASIF:

Very well. I love my course. And my tutor, he's an old man, and funny

in someways - he makes these awful puns on types of blood groups, but

he's very clear. I should pass easily.

MR AMIN:

Easily? Then why not transfer to medicine?

MRS AMIN:

Why not try, Asif? You can't know until you try.

ASIF:

No. I don't think I have the right background, the right exam results.

MR AMIN:

What do you mean, the right background?

MRS AMIN:

Look, Asif, I've bought you an Easter egg! I know how you love

chocolate.

MR. AMIN:

TO MRS. AMIN

You bought that just to please him - because of what he said last time

he was here.

TO ASIF

Because you wanted the 'English traditions.'

ASIF:

It's only chocolate, for goodness

MR. AMIN:

And that Hindu girlfriend of yours?

ASIF:

What about her?

MR. AMIN:

That is why you don't want to become a doctor! Because it would mean

leaving her!

ASIF:

Yes, well, that was a reason, but only a minor one. We've talked-

MR. AMIN:

Talked!

ASIF:
 Yes, talked! I don't want to leave my university, or my girlfriend - and

I'm not going to. I knew you'd mention it, when I came to visit you

today. It's just that you don't seemed concerned about me!'

MRS.AMIN:

Asif! That's a dreadful thing to say!

ASIF:

But isn't it true? You've never met Kalpana - how can you judge,

without even meeting her?

TO MR. AMIN

You've talked of the importance of being a Muslim, and of course it is

important. I'm proud to be a Muslim, but we live in a different world

here - we shouldn't cut ourselves off frorn all the others.

MR. AMIN:

SLOWLY, QUIETLY, FIRMLY: HE IS SUPPRESSING

HIS ANGER

Asif, I will not have it said that I am intolerant to other religions, races,

or peoples. I will not. If you want this girl you can have her.

PAUSE

If she becomes a Muslim.

PAUSE

I will even increase your allowance, to support the two of you, if she

agrees.
 PAUSE

But if she doesn't, then you must not see her again.

ASIF:

Not see her again?

PAUSE

You want her to become a Muslim? How can I ask that of her? How

can I?

MRS. AMIN:

We are concerned about your future, Asif.

ASIF:

Are you? When behind your concern is the wish to break the two of us

up? Because you'd like a doctor for a son?

PAUSE

How can I be sure, any longer, that that is your only reason? You've

talked of religion, and of our tradition, and tried to strike this bargain

with me, but what of Kalpana? You've talked of religion and tradition,

but is that to be stronger?

SILENCE. MR. AND MRS. AMIN LOOK DOWN AND

CONTINUE EATING: IT IS TO BE STRONGER

Well, is it?

11. INT. MARC'S ROOM.

KALPANA SITTING IN MARC'S ROOM TALKING

KALPANA:

LAUGHING

You westerners! I said caste, not class! They're not the same, you

know! And you being an economist! Well, of course, it's quite complex

but it definitely isn't the same as the class system her. Here, the classes

are seen to be in conflict, but in India, it's different; the four different

castes are seen to .. interrelate, I suppose an analogy would be to say

like the parts of a watch; each has their function, but without the other...

MARC:

That's interesting. But I understand that you're allowed only to marry

your own caste?

KALPANA:

Well ... strictly speaking, though anuloma marriages were acceptable

at first.

MARC:

Anuloma?

KALPANA:

Yes, where the bridegroom is of a higher caste than the woman.

Pratiloma marriages would be where the bride is of a higher caste.

MARC:

And these rules still apply today?!

KALPANA:

No, not really. My parents are Brahmins, but being teachers, I suppose
 they would fall into the Vaisya caste, really.

MARC:

What is the order of ranking of these four groups?

KALPANA:

Well, I've already said - the idea of ranking isn't what it's about. But

the Brahmins would be priests or religious teachers, Kshatriya would

be kings, warriors or perhaps lords, Vaisya would be traders, or

merchants, or even other professions, like my parents being teachers,

and the Sudra would be farmers, servants, or surfs.

MARC:

All this sounds very feudalistic.

KALPANA:

Medieval England? Well I wouldn't know anything about that.

MARC:

But Kalpana, does any of this affect you now, here, today?

KALPANA:

No. If anything, some ancient scriptures do not accept caste divisions

anyway. And others, go to the opposite extreme, and describe the castes

as different colours; fair, reddish, yellowish, black.

MARC:

So even the Indians have racial prejudice?

KALPANA:
 Well these scriptures go back two thousand years or more. And Marc,

talking of Indians having a racial prejudice - I don't have a West Indian

smile.

MARC:

PAUSE

Opps, oh, sorry. He told you about that did he? The trouble is ..

all you foreigners look alike to me.

KALPANA:

WAGGING HER FINGER IN A MOCK WARNING

Be careful ..

MARC:

So, being a Hindu, you have a set of prayers, your own?

KALPANA:

Yes. The pratahkriya and sandhya are daily, although I don't pray

myself.

MARC:

No?

KALPANA:

No. Being a Hindu I think I can worship God in my own way. Our

religion has a very eclectic background, and my parents know how I

feel about the change in traditions.

MARC:
 You've really thought it out haven't you? Have you talked to Asif about

this?

KALPANA:

A little. Muslims are much stricter than us. They, his parents, don't like

Asif associating with me.

MARC:

How will you resolve the problem?

KALPANA:

There's no problem for me, I love that man, I think he's not realising his

full potential, but I can't advise him over what to do. It's up to him.

MARC:

Why don't you ask him to marry you?

KALPANA:

LAUGHING

What! I couldn't do that!

MARC:

Why not?

KALPANA:

Well, for one thing, his parents would never consent.

MARC:

That's going to be the problem isn't it.

KALPANA:

Yes.
MARC:

But if he asked you, you'd say yes?

KALPANA:

Have the two of you been talking about me be hind my back?!'

MARC:

Oh yes! As well you know. But would you say yes?

KALPANA:

Ah ...

ASIF HAS WALKED FROM FAMILY TABLE TO MARC'S

ROOM DURING THE LAST FEW EXCHANGES

MARC:

Oh, hello.

KALPANA:

Hello love.

SHE KISSES HIM ON THE CHEEK

ASIF:

So you went for a chat with Marc after all?

MARC:

Kalpana's been telling me all about Hinduism.

ASIF:

Yes?

KALPANA:
 You look a bit worried Asif. Didn't you have an enjoyable time with

your parents?

ASIF:

No.

KALPANA:

What did they say?

ASIF:

Listen, Kalpana, I want to talk to Marc about it. I'll tell you later. Would

you mind?

KALPANA:

No of course not. If you feel it's important. I'll see you soon.

TO MARC

I really enjoyed our talk.

MARC STANDS

MARC:

So did I. I've learnt a lot.

KALPANA BEGINS TO WALK TOWARDS ASIF'S

ROOM. SHE LOOKS BACK, CONCERNED AT ASIF'S

MANNER. THE TWO MEN WATCH HER GO THEN

MARC BECKONS ASIF TO THE CHAIR

MARC:

How's your love life?

ASIF:
 Ha! You know why I've come.

PAUSE

MARC LOOKS AT ASIF, AS IF FROM CONCERN

MARC:

You seem tense.

ASIF:

Can you imagine why?

MARC:

Your parents ...

ASIF:

What else?

PAUSE

MARC OFFERS ASIF A GLASS OF WINE

MARC:

Your girlfriend Kalpana doesn't drink alcohol.

ASIF:

Well she's a Hindu.

MARC:

And you are a Muslim.

ASIF:

You've grasped the problem. What am I going to do?

MARC:
 Talking about it might help. I was interested by your comments last

time you were here. I haven't had time to go into it, but Kalpana was

very knowledgeable. That's some lady you've got there.

ASIF:

Yes, she's wonderful, isn't she? I was - am! very lucky.

PAUSE

What did you talk about?

MARC:

Hinduism, the caste system, and earlier, even the work the two of you

are doing in the blood department! I now suspect that there is a similarity

in historical terms, between the invasions of England - where the celts

were forced northwards and eastwards, and the Aryan invasion of India,

where the two separate religions became merged.

ASIF:

I can't see any similarity.

MARC:

I think I'm trying to get at the idea that groups of people, separated by

colour, beliefs, or even, as Kalpana was telling me, blood groups,

become inevitably merged over prolonged periods of time.

ASIF:

But what's that got to do with me:?

MARC:
 Is being a Muslim going to come between you and Kalpana?

ASIF:

Oh yes - I haven't told you the latest development! My father has agreed

to Kalpana and myself, provided she changes her religion to the Muslim

faith.

PAUSE

MARC:

Will she do that?

ASIF:

Well you know her. Will she?

MARC:

No.

ASIF:

Of course not. And who am I to ask her? Being a Hindu seems far more

important to her than my being a Muslim to me. Of course I don't want

to split up my family - the split, Allah forbid it ever occur, would be

unbreachable.

MARC:

Your parents would definitely not agree to you associating with a Hindu?

ASIF:

No.

MARC:
 She is almost regarded as a .. foreigner?

ASIF:

Well, I wouldn't have put it like that.

MARC:

But it is ironic, isn't it? two brown people ...

ASIF:

Oh come on! You sound like my teacher at school! He used to sit me

next to a Negro - his very words were; 'You'd get on well with someone

of your own colour.' Some English people even think coloured people

have a natural sense of rhythm, I mean, I ask you, have you seen me

dance?!

MARC:

No I haven't - you can't dance. But I think you're missing my point. I'm

trying to suggest that blind prejudice is universal, that bigoted, stupid

people exist everywhere.

ASIF:

PAUSE

Yes, of course you are. I'm sorry. But I still can't help feeling bitter

about it sometimes. As a child white people would sometimes sneer at

me and say, 'Go back to your own country.' I could never understand

them - I only lived down the road in sunny Letchworth! And we even

used to get comments about the number of people living in our house:
 Well, we wanted our grandparents there at the time. It never occurs to

the English that we find you strange: the way you seem to desert

your parents - fragment yourselves.

MARC:

SMILING

Yes, we don't seem to have the same ideas about filial responsibility.

ASIF:

Yes, you can never understand why we want to live together, when all

you want to do is leave your families!

MARC:

I think an economic reason is tied in, somewhere; the fact the England

has a smaller population, therefore more land, more space, and hence? -

money?

ASIF:

That may be, but the effect is personal.

MARC:

More wine?

PAUSE AS HE TOPS ASIF'S GLASS UP

Am I to take it from all this that there will be a split?

ASIF:

The atmosphere was slightly tense the last tine I went home. It's always

been assumed that I'd transfer.

MARC:

To medicine?

ASIF:

Yes. But I now realise it's beyond my abilities.

MARC:

But your parents suggested you weren't changing be cause of Kalpana?

ASIF:

That's it. You can read people's minds too?

MARC:

SHRUGGING AND SMILING

Just my natural genius.

ASIF:

That's why I'm here, I suppose! To learn something!

MARC:

I'm sure you're doing fine. But Asif, is it true?- that you can't handle

the doctor's course?

ASIF:

Unfortunately, yes. It would mean my one year so far would be wasted,

it wouldn't count towards my doctor's qualification.

MARC:

But that's not a reason.

ASIF:
 It is! Where would I get the money to survive the extra year, if my

parents disown me!?

MARC:

Have you asked Kalpana?

ASIF:

I couldn't do that!

MARC:

Why don't you ask her how she feels? And if she rejects you you can

play the spurned lover and transfer to your medicine course anyway.

You can bury your torn heart in hard work.

ASIF:

Ha, it's all very well for you to say that, but I think I know her feelings.

She's said she's concerned that I don't throw my chances away.

MARC:

Then ask her to move in with you.

ASIF:

She couldn't do that! what about her course here?

MARC:

From what you've said, you see your future together, yes?

ASIF NODS

So why should she object to moving in with you? As a doctor you still

would earn much more than any scientist. Have you asked her?
ASIF:

No, of course not. It hasn't crossed my mind.

MARC:

Do you think I'm sounding callous?

ASIF:

Very.

MARC:

But it seems to me you have a lot to lose, your family ties, a career in

medicine, barely disguised by your supposed lack of ability, an

allowance from your parents ... all for the love of a girl with a lovely

West Indian smile.

ASIF:

She is not a West Indian.

MARC:

So she told me.

ASIF:

I suppose I deserve your bluntness and your rudeness.

MARC:

It must seem calculating .. well it is, but a lot's at stake.

ASIF:

Yes. Yes, it is. But you're right - I needed your objective view. And

really, I know what you say is true. We will have to decide our futures,
 and soon. And your solution is so obvious...

MARC:

It isn't a solution, only a suggestion.

PAUSE

Even in this country we haven't shed all our traditions. It's still left up

to the man to instigate advances, sexual or otherwise. Perhaps Kalpana

is only waiting for you to ask her, to move in with you, live with you,

who knows?...

ASIF:

Have you been talking about this with her?

MARC:

No.

ASIF:

Hm. Well yes, I've known her for several months, and we have a good

relationship... Yes I could - would like to make it permanent ... but my

parents...

MARC:

It might be a struggle, but you could make it.

ASIF:

STANDING

Well, I knew that, if anyone could, you'd be completely, um, objective.

MARC:
 I'm not that sure if I am.

ASIF:

But if we ever got married?... you'd be the best man!?

MARC:

SMILING

I think you should ask her first. She might say no.

ASIF:

Oh yes, of course. Of course.

12. INT. UNIVERSITY HALL.

LECTURE TAPE IS HEARD.

Their arguments also ignore the dangers of transferring across blood

groups - the end result may well be death even if the donor was

caucasian. Of course there are differences between races; Chinese and

Indians tend be B, African tend to D positive (Rhesus), Negros to J.S.B.,

English to A, myself, being a Scot, to 0.

13. INT. ASIF'S ROOM.

KALPANA SITTING AT THE DESK WORKING ON ESSAY.

ASIF CREEPS UP FROM BEHIND AND HOLDS HIS

HANDS IN FRONT OF KALPANA'S EYES.

ASIF:
 Guess who?

KALPANA:

I can't imagine.

ASIF:

What are you working on?

KALPANA:

Rhesus positive factors, or lack of them, in fifteen per cent of the

population.

ASIF:

Do you want to use my notes?

KALPANA:

I am.

ASIF:

LAUGHING

I should have known!..

PAUSE

How long will you be?

KALPANA:

An hour or so. Why? Do you want me to stop? Do you want to go out?

ASIF:

No, but I want to talk to you.

KALPANA:

TURNING TOWARDS ASIF, SENSING THE TENSE TONE

 OF VOICE

Is it about what happened at your parents?

ASIF:

Yes.

KALPANA:

Well what happened?

ASIF:

Hm.. We had a talk. My father came up with the idea that we could

marry if you changed your religion to Muslim. But don't worry: - I have

no intention of asking you! I talked to Marc about it. Sometimes I need

someone's opinion like his. I know he appears cold, sometimes. Does he

to you?

KALPANA:

Not really, but I think I know what you mean.

ASIF:

Well we did talk about whether I should ask you, and he said you

wouldn't, confirming what I knew all along, really. Besides, your

religion is much more important to you than mine is to me - it wouldn't

be fair to ask you.

KALPANA:

No, it wouldn't.

ASIF:
 No. But talking to him helped to ... solidify my feelings towards you,

if you like, and about my career.

PAUSE

KALPANA WAITS

I will transfer.

KALPANA:

PAUSE

I see.

ASIF:

But I want you to come with me. We could easily live in a flat.

KALPANA:

I'll have to write to my parents about it, but I don't think I could live

with you without getting married.

ASIF:

But you know they won't disagree. And I think it would be a good idea

to live together for a while, just to make sure, if you like, that we are

good for each other. Then, if we're still together, - and can put up with

each other! - I'd like to get married to you.

KALPANA:

What on earth did you talk about with Marc!

ASIF:

About my transfer, that was one thing. I know the course will be hard
 for me, a bit of a struggle, but I can try. And I would earn more money

that way, eventually. More than the two of us would, otherwise,

separately. But I want you to come with me. You can always transfer

your course.

PAUSE

KALPANA THINKS ABOUT ASIF'S COMMENTS

KALPANA:

I'm glad you told me this. I was never quite sure how you saw

KALPANA POINTS TO EACH OTHER

the two of us, our relationship. You've never actually said before how

you feel. I always thought ... well, I never knew what to think, really ...

ASIF:

Yes, I know, I know. I'm sorry. One never does. But you do matter - you

do matter to me. I'm not going to get down on my knees, but ... will you

come with me?

KALPANA:

PAUSE

But what about your parents? They will disown you?

ASIF:

PAUSE

Yes, probably.

KALPANA:
 We will have no money.

ASIF:

It will be a struggle, yes.

KALPANA:

It would be better if I took a year or two off and find a job to support us?

ASIF:

You would do that?

KALPANA:

Yes, I will do that.

PAUSE

ASIF:

Marc was right - you are a wonderful lady. I think I've done well for

myself.

KALPANA:

SMILING

I haven't done so badly myself.

ASIF:

Then we'll tell my parents? I'll tell them I'm going to transfer. And that

you're coming with me. I don't see how they can complain really, they

wanted me to transfer, and I will.

PAUSE

So we'll transfer, yes? And we'll tell them? You'll come with me, won't
 you?

KALPANA NODS

I feel really happy at this moment! Isn't that .. ridiculous!

ASIF AND KALPANA STAND AND EMBRACE.

12. INT UNIVERSITY HALL

LECTURE TAPE IS HEARD

But perhaps racialists would have more ground if they discussed the

effects of diet: the vegetarian diets of Asians in this country which leave

Iron and Folate deficiencies within the body. Arguments there may be

substantiated by looking at the vast numbers queuing up at Central

Middlesex hospital ... How ever I digress...

14. INT. MR AND MRS.AMIN'S DINNER TABLE.

ASIF KISSES MOTHER ON CHEEK, THEN STEPS

BACK TO HOLD KALPANA' S HAND AGAIN.

ASIF:

Mother, father, this is Kalpana.

MOTHER STANDS, FORMALLY SHAKES HANDS WITH

KALPANA. FATHER REMAINS RESOLUTELY SILENT.

ASIF SITS, KALPANA STANDS

MRS AMIN:
 Well, how was this term, Asif?

ASIF:

Very well. I've decided to transfer to medicine.

MRS AMIN:

Asif, I'm glad!

FATHER GLANCES SHARPLY UP AT ASIF

So you're going to move?

ASIF:

Yes.

PAUSE

And Kalpana is coming with me.

MRS AMIN:

PAUSE

I see.

ASIF:

And next year we're going to get married.

PAUSE

And I can't ask her to change her religion.

SILENCE

Why do you say nothing? don't you want my happiness?

MRS AMIN:

Of course we do Asif, it's just that ...

ASIF:

Just that what?! I told you last time - we are no longer in India! Why

should I feel obliged to follow the old traditions?

MOTHER:

Because they're important, Asif. It's the way we live.

ASIF:

But not I! Not I!

ABRUPTLY STANDING, HE TAKES KALPANA'S

HAND

Can't you see?! You're just as bad as the English?

ASIF SLOWLY BEGINS TO LEAD KALPANA CENTRE

STAGE

Can't you see? why are people like this? Why!? The English hate the

blacks, the browns, anything they feel threatened by but can't you see?

It's the same as you cutting yourself off from the Hindu's and the

Seikhs. But there's no reason for it, for this vindictiveness - you just hide

behind this mask of religion, just as the English hide behind the idea of

slave labour - that their jobs are threatened. But the truth is, the truth, is

that all the European countries have a large surplus immigrant work

force. They've all got legalized slavery! I can see what Marc was saying,

I can begin to understand, humans have fear, but they blame anything,

everything, to avoid the responsibility of facing this very fear. There are

no differences between humans. None. My skin, brown? It does not

 matter. I will not let it matter.

TO PARENTS

What do you want me to say, after you've cast me off because I love

someone? What do you want me to say?! That I'm English? That I'm

white? Is that what you want me to say?

ASIF CLENCHES HIS FIST, SHOUTS UPFRONT

All right, then I will shout it out, Yes, I'm English, English, Can you

hear me: English! And white! Does that make you feel better?! I'm

white, Do you hear me?! white! I'm English and I'm white!

15. INT UNIVERSITY HALL.

LECTURE CONTINUES

Thus, in conclusion, I wish to emphasise that what we have discussed

here this afternoon has only been an introduction, a preliminary, to the

course you will study with me throughout the coming year. We have

covered only the most basic analysis of the types of blood, and of the

possibilities of differentiation between them. Let me repeat myself, my

dear students,

A CHUCKLE

that this is only the introduction to our terms of study, however, I hope

you can retain some of the information imparted today - I'm sure it will
stand you in good stead in the weeks to come. Good day to you all.

END

C@P NEVILLE POWELL 1984